STMicroelectronics Introduces First Single-Chip Level Translators for Mobile Phone Memory Cards

Integrated ESD protection and Card Detect features minimize board space requirement for mobile devices and consumer electronics products that use external memory cards

Geneva, February 17,2006 - STMicroelectronics (NYSE: STM), a world leader in analog ICs, today announced two 6-bit level translators – available in the tiny 3 x 3mm µTFBGA25 package – intended for interfacing the 1.8V or 2.5V signals of mobile phones and other products with the nominal 3.3V levels used by plug-in memory cards. The ST6G3238E includes ESD protection circuits that provide up to 8kV protection on the memory port, enabling direct connection to the external card slot.

An integrated 40-Ohm series resistor on each card-side input aids EMI noise reduction, while on-chip pull-up resistors are provided on the Card Detect and Write Protect Detection inputs. ESD protection on the microprocessor port is 2kV. These two devices are the first single-chip level translator solutions on the market for mobile phones and related products.

High memory density, physically small memory cards, such as the SD, Mini-SD and MMC formats, are increasingly common features of mobile phones, set-top boxes (STBs) and PDAs. The new ST6G3238E is a compact, high-speed and highly cost-effective device for building the interface to an external card, with contact ESD protection and card detection. Propagation delay is 4.4ns (max) for 2.3V/3.0V translation, and quiescent current is 20µA (max) on each side of the interface.

Controlled by a Command line and with Clock synchronization, the level translators are designed to support two-way asynchronous communication of up to 3+1 bits of bi-directional data between the different voltage systems. Input/output protection is provided when the device is powered down.

The ST6G3238E is available in volume now in a 0.5mm-ball-pitch µTFBGA25 package. Pricing for the device is US$0.90 in quantities of 10,000 pieces.

Further information is available at www.st.com/level-translators

About ST’s Microcontroller, Linear & Discrete Group
STMicroelectronics is a world leader in offering complete system solutions that leverage its rich portfolio of Microcontroller, Linear, and Discrete products, advanced process and design technologies, and applications expertise. This emphasis on solutions allows the Company to minimize time-to-market for all customers worldwide in existing and emerging applications.


About STMicroelectronics
STMicroelectronics is a global leader in developing and delivering semiconductor solutions across the spectrum of microelectronics applications. An unrivalled combination of silicon and system expertise, manufacturing strength, Intellectual Property (IP) portfolio and strategic partners positions the Company at the forefront of System-on-Chip (SoC) technology and its products play a key role in enabling today’s convergence markets. The Company’s shares are traded on the New York Stock Exchange, on Euronext Paris and on the Milan Stock Exchange. In 2004, the Company’s net revenues were $8.76 billion and net earnings were $601 million. Further information on ST can be found at www.st.com.
Information last updated Jan 2005

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